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What is AMFI (Association of Mutual Funds)?

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Synopsis:


The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) is an industry association that is made up of the asset management companies (AMCs) of all mutual funds registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Read more...
Its main responsibility is to ensure the smooth functioning of the mutual fund industry. Besides, it improves the awareness of investors regarding mutual funds. It also liaises with the SEBI, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the Government regarding the policy-framework of the MF industry.
Moreover, AMFI ensures that distributors and other intermediaries follow the regulations laid down by the SEBI for the protection of investors’ interests.  Read less

 

The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) is an industry body that comprises the asset management companies (AMCs) of all mutual funds operating in India that are registered with the regulator – the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).


AMFI was incorporated in 1995 as a non-profit organisation. It is committed to developing the mutual funds industry in India by focusing on the interests of investors and other stakeholders.   

AMFI wants to develop the industry in India on professional and ethical lines, which is very important to gain the trust of investors.

While mutual funds (MF) have existed as an asset class in India for a long time, many investors are still either unaware of them or apprehensive about them. Hence, AMFI’s activities spread awareness about MFs by dispelling preconceived notions and apprehensions of investors.

 

Key Roles and Responsibilities of AMFI (Association of Mutual Funds in India)

The main responsibilities of the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) are as follows:

  • To address the issues faced by mutual fund houses.

  • To liaise with regulators like the SEBI and the Reserve Bank of India regarding the issues and policy framework of the industry.

  • To introduce best standardised practices to be followed by the entire industry.

  • To provide important information on AMFI’s website, like displaying the daily net asset values (NAVs) of all mutual fund schemes and other relevant and useful information.

Having discussed the responsibilities of AMFI, let us talk about its objectives.

Objectives of the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI): Why It Was Established

The key objectives of the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) are explained below:

  • AMFI ensures that professional and ethical standards are followed in the MF industry.

  • AMFI promotes the best business practices, which are meant to be followed by all industry members.

  • If the mutual fund industry is facing any issues, then AMFI makes a representation to the SEBI, the RBI, or the Government.

  • AMFI performs an extremely important task of improving investor awareness about mutual funds so that they understand how MFs work.

  • AMFI also regulates the activities of mutual fund distributors and takes disciplinary actions, if needed.

  • One of AMFI’s most important objectives is to protect the interest of investors.

Major Achievements and Contributions of the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI)

AMFI has made a significant contribution towards protecting the interests of mutual fund houses and investors. It has improved the accessibility and transparency of mutual fund investments in India, which is one of its most salient achievements.

AMFI plays a key role in ensuring that all mutual funds follow regulations issued by SEBI. Better compliance with regulations helps boost transparency in the industry. AMFI has also issued a code of conduct for AMCs and distributors of mutual funds in order to protect the interests of investors.

Further, AMFI has improved the awareness about systematic investment plans (SIP) in India. As most Indians have low monthly earnings, they find it difficult to make lump-sum investments in MFs. Hence, by popularising the concept of SIP, AMFI has ensured that a lot of people can gain by investing in equities through mutual funds.

Over the last 10 years, between November 30, 2014 and November 30, 2024, the assets under management (AUM) of all mutual funds in India, put together, have grown from  ₹10.90 trillion to ₹68.08 trillion. AMFI has contributed a lot towards this growth in the industry.

Advantages of the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) for Investors

AMFI works for the benefit of investors in many ways, which are explained below:

  • Protects the interests of investors: By ensuring that mutual fund houses and distributors follow all the regulations and the best business practices, AMFI safeguards the interests of investors.

  • Helps improve the awareness of investors: AMFI conducts many activities to enhance the awareness of investors regarding mutual funds as an asset class, which makes them confident and enables them to invest in MFs.

  • Provides important resources to investors: AMFI provides tons of important resources to investors. For example, they can check the net asset value (NAV) of all mutual fund schemes on AMFI’s website. Besides, they can get information about portfolio disclosures by going to the AMFI’s website.

  • Forum for redressal of investors’ complaints: If investors are facing any issue with a mutual fund house, they can file a complaint with AMFI, which will ensure its resolution.

Committees Under the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI)

AMFI has several committees that are dedicated to various aspects of the MF industry, such as ethics, compliance, and improving investor awareness. Its main committees are listed below:

  • AMFI Financial Literacy Committee

  • AMFI Committee on Certified Distributors (ARN Committee)

  • AMFI ETF Committee

  • AMFI Operations & Compliance Committee

  • AMFI Risk Committee

  • AMFI Valuation Committee

  • AMFI Equity CIOs’ Committee

  • AMFI Technology Committee

What is an AMFI Registration Number (ARN)?

All mutual fund distributors, agents, brokers, and other intermediaries must get an AMFI Registration Number (ARN) from AMFI. If they do not have an ARN, they are not allowed to sell a mutual fund. In fact, they cannot even recommend a fund without having an ARN. ARN ensures that a mutual fund intermediary engages in ethical and transparent practices while conducting his business.

To get an ARN, a mutual fund intermediary has to clear NISM certification. This certification is provided by the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) to certify that an individual has the required knowledge and skills to operate in the securities market. While an ARN certification is valid for a period of 3 years, an intermediary can get it extended by submitting necessary documents. Now that you know what an AMFI Registration Number (ARN) is, let us discuss how to register or renew it.

Steps to Register or Renew Your ARN

This is the process you have to follow to register or renew your ARN online:

Step 1: The first thing you need to do is link your Aadhar with your registered mobile number to register or renew your ARN.

Step 2: If you have not submitted your Aadhar details, you must apply manually.

Step 3: Then, you should pay the fee for registering or renewing your ARN via online banking.

Step 4: You do not need to provide your NISM passing certificate because it can be directly imported by CAMS from NISM.

Step 5: After the documents are verified on AMFI’s website, AMFI will instantly issue you a new ARN license.

The following process has to be adhered to if you want to renew your ARN offline:

Step 1: You need to get the application form for the ARN from a CAMS office, which has been designated by AMFI.

Step 2: Now, you have to submit the filled-out form and also the know your distributor acknowledgment document at a CAMS office.

Step 3: Now, you have to submit the supporting documents, like the identify-proof and passport-sized photos, with your application. You must also submit a copy of your NISM examination certificate.

Step 4: You must pay the registration fees and then wait for your application to be approved. Once it is approved, you will be sent an ARN by post and also via email.

Final Takeaway

The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) plays an important role in creating a conducive atmosphere in the mutual fund industry from the viewpoint of investors, MF houses, distributors, and other stakeholders. It educates investors so that they are not apprehensive of mutual funds. AMFI liaises with regulators for the concerns of AMCs. And, AMFI ensures that distributors follow best practices and regulations for the welfare of the overall industry.

Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.

This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

For All Disclaimers Click Here: https://bit.ly/3Tcsfuc

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are mutual funds regulated by AMFI?

Answer Field

No, mutual funds are not regulated by AMFI. Instead, they are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Meanwhile, AMFI is an industry association of all mutual funds in India.

How many associations of mutual funds are there in India?

Answer Field

AMFI is the main association of mutual funds in the country.

What is the AMFI fee?

Answer Field

The fee charged by AMFI depends upon its services and activities. Some examples of AMFI fees include registration fees payable by AMCs and distributor fees payable by agents and agencies.

What is the difference between SEBI and AMFI?

Answer Field

SEBI is the main regulator for the securities market in India, including mutual funds. It issues regulations for the orderly and smooth functioning of the financial market. However, AMFI is a business association of mutual funds. It educates investors and ensures a level-playing field in the industry between mutual fund houses, distributors, and investors.

What is an AMFI certificate?

Answer Field

There is nothing called an “AMFI certificate.” However, if a mutual fund distributor or any other intermediary successfully completes the AMFI distribution certification exam, he is provided with an Associate Registration Number (ARN).

Where is the headquarters of AMFI?

Answer Field

AMFI’s headquarters are in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

What is the role of AMFI?

Answer Field

AMFI's main role is to improve the awareness of investors regarding mutual funds. Besides, AMFI also liaises with regulators (SEBI & RBI) regarding the issues faced by the mutual funds industry.

How to join AMFI?

Answer Field

No one can join AMFI directly. However, if you are selling mutual funds, you have to clear the AMFI certification exam to get an ARN.

Can you sell mutual funds without an ARN, and can ARN be withdrawn?

Answer Field

You need to have an ARN to sell mutual funds in India. Typically, AMFI does not withdraw ARN. However, it can suspend or cancel your ARN if you violate regulations.

Is it possible for brokers/agents to renew the ARN online and offline?

Answer Field

Yes, brokers/agents can renew their ARN through either the online or the offline route. If they want to do it online, they have to visit the AMFI’s website. If they want to do it offline, they have to submit the necessary documents at a CAMS office.

What do you mean by AMFI?

Answer Field

AMFI stands for The Association of Mutual Funds in India. AMFI is an association of the AMCs of all mutual funds registered with the SEBI.

Is AMFI a government or private organization?

Answer Field

AMFI is not a government organisation. Instead, it is a non-profit organisation of all mutual funds registered with SEBI. AMFI liaises with the government when it comes to the regulation and promotion of the MF industry. However, AMFI is not a government body.

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